Ben Hudson Appointed CEO of Hanwha’s European and UK Defence Operations

Hanwha Aerospace has appointed Mr. Ben Hudson, CEO of Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA), as Chief Executive Officer for its European and UK defence operations, marking a significant step in the company’s regional growth strategy.

Mr. Hudson will lead Hanwha’s current activities in Europe and the UK while steering future expansion across NATO-aligned nations. His appointment underscores Hanwha’s long-term commitment to delivering localised, interoperable, and rapid capability solutions that strengthen sovereign defence partnerships.

“I am honoured to join our European and UK defence leadership team at such a pivotal moment for both our company and our European partners,” said Mr. Hudson. “Hanwha’s long-term vision starts at the very top, with a drive to partner with our customers and create enduring sovereign capabilities that deliver solutions to the defence and security challenges faced by nations now and into the future.”

Mr. Hudson brings extensive international experience to the role, having held senior executive positions at BAE Systems, Rheinmetall, and General Dynamics—spanning over 15 years across Switzerland, Germany, and the UK. He is a mechanical engineer, holds an MBA from London Business School, and served as an Officer in the Australian Army, including deployment in East Timor. He holds both British and Australian citizenship.

The appointment comes as Hanwha ramps up strategic expansion in Europe, with active programs in Poland, Romania, Norway, Finland, and Estonia. The company aims to establish a strong industrial footprint by supporting local economies, transferring defence technologies, and investing in sustainable supply chains and sovereign capability.

“As Hanwha looks to further globalise our business, we are very pleased to appoint Ben—who brings deep experience across European defence markets—to this key role leading our business in Europe and the UK,” said Mr. Michael Coulter, President and CEO of Hanwha Global Defense.

This leadership transition reinforces Hanwha’s multi-domestic strategy, aligning with NATO partners and European allies to deliver next-generation defence solutions and reinforce regional security resilience.

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